Today, the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) stands as a hub for over 160 listed companies, with a total market capitalization of N58.91 trillion as of November 2024.
Among these, only a select few surpass the $1 billion valuation milestone, showcasing the strength and resilience of Nigeria’s top-performing firms.
Leading the market are giants like Airtel Africa, Dangote Cement, and BUA Foods, collectively valued at over N20 trillion, which represents nearly 40% of the NGX’s total market capitalization.
Behind these billion-dollar companies are directors of marketing and communications. These leaders play a vital role in driving revenue growth, fostering industry partnerships, and ensuring their brands thrive in competitive and volatile markets.
Their innovative strategies and ability to manage crises effectively have positioned their companies for sustained success while building trust among stakeholders.
This article highlights 10 marketing and communications leaders who lead the expert teams reshaping Nigeria’s corporate landscape. From managing brand narratives to leveraging data-driven strategies, they have become the driving force behind some of the country’s most valuable and influential companies.
Market Cap– N3.3 trillion
Yvonne Afe has over 24 years of extensive experience in marketing and communications across various industries, including telecommunications, FMCG, and financial services. She joined Seplat Energy in May 2023 as Director of External Affairs, where she is responsible for managing Seplat’s global reputation, external relations, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
- Prior to Seplat, Yvonne held senior roles at Access Bank, where she served as Head of Marketing Communications from May 2022 to June 2023 and Group Head of Retail Marketing & Analytics from April 2019 to May 2022.
- Yvonne’s earlier experience includes serving as Head of Corporate Communications at Diamond Bank, Marketing Manager at MultiChoice, and Brand Manager at Cadbury Nigeria.
- She also worked as Senior Manager for Brand Assets and Activations at Airtel Nigeria and Senior Brand Manager at Coca-Cola Nigeria, where she developed and executed various brand strategies and consumer promotions.
- Afe holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Imperial College Business School and a Diploma in Direct Marketing from The Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing.
- She has a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in English/Language Arts Teacher Education from the University of Port Harcourt (1992–1996).
Seplat Energy, with a market capitalization of N3.3 trillion, is a major player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Its recent $1.28 billion acquisition of ExxonMobil’s Nigerian assets strengthened its market position, with its share price surging 146.75% year-to-date, reflecting strong investor confidence.
